Applied Ergonomics Conference (AEC)

AI-Driven Ergonomics: What Actually Works (and What Doesn’t)

Date and Time: Tuesday, March 10 from 1:30PM-1:50PM

Speaker: Blake McGowan, CPE, Head of Product Marketing, Ergonomics

Session Description: Artificial intelligence is everywhere in ergonomics conversations—but AI doesn’t fix broken processes.
In this session, we’ll cut through the hype and focus on what actually enables AI to improve ergonomics outcomes: process maturity, standardized workflows, and trustworthy data.

Designed for ergonomics and EHS process owners, this presentation shows how leading organizations are preparing their ergonomics programs for AI by getting the fundamentals right first.

We’ll walk through the critical questions teams must ask, the common failure points that stall AI initiatives, and what “good” really looks like in practice.

You’ll see real-world examples of mature ergonomics processes that successfully support AI-driven insights and practical guidance you can take back and apply immediately.

Panel Discussion: Pathways to Professional Certification in Human Factors and Ergonomics

Date and Time: Wednesday, March 11 from 8:00AM-8:40AM

Speaker: Blake McGowan, CPE, Head of Product Marketing, Ergonomics

Session Description: Panel Presentation lead by BCPE Board of Directors and Board-Certified Professionals:

• What is board-certification?
• What is the value of board-certification?
• What is the process to become board-certified?
• What defines a competent HFE professional?
• What are the core competencies of HFE defined by BCPE?
• Who is BCPE?
• What is the difference between board-certification and certificate?

The Format:

1) Brief introductions from panelists

2) Brief introduction of BCPE’s certification process, its purpose and value in professional and career development

3) Guided Q&A discussion

Key Objectives:

• Understand what BCPE is, and purpose and significance to the Human Factors / Ergonomics field
• Evaluate and understand the benefits of pursuing board-certification
• Have a clear understanding on the steps/prerequisites for board-certification

Finance 101 for Safety Professionals: Revealing How Ergonomics-Related Injuries Impact Your Corporate Financial Statements

Date and Time: Wednesday, March 11 from 1:30PM-2:10PM

Speaker: Blake McGowan, CPE, Head of Product Marketing, Ergonomics

Session Description: This presentation quantifies the financial impact of ergonomics-related injuries (e.g., musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs) within the workplace. It links these injuries to specific line items across an organization’s financial statements – including, income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements, revealing detrimental effects on cost of goods sold, operating margins, productivity, and equity. This presentation demonstrates how proactive ergonomics programs significantly reduce injuries and associated costs while improving productivity and financial performance. Recommendations are provided to help safety professionals communicate these insights effectively to business stakeholders and financial shareholders.

Key Objectives:

• Quantify the economics burden of ergonomics-related injuries in the workplace and the role of interventions.
• Link injuries to financial statement line items – income statement, balance sheet, and cash flows.
• Strategies to help safety professionals articulate the financial value of investing in ergonomics-related prevention strategies.

Panel Discussion: Improvements and Enhancements Needed for AI driven Ergonomics Assessment Tools

Date and Time: Wednesday, March 11 from 3:15PM-4:45PM

Speaker: Blake McGowan, CPE, Head of Product Marketing, Ergonomics

Session Description: Many AI driven Ergonomics Assessment Tools are available to practitioners. These tools are based on assessment tools like RULA, REBA, OWAS and the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation. The tools are good for postural screening but lack the rigor to be a complete risk assessment, leaving users susceptible to miss ergonomic risk factors. This session will bring together solution providers, practitioners and researchers to discuss enhancements to these tools that will provide a more accurate reflection of ergonomic risk.

AI-Supported Decision-Making for Prevention and Control Measures in Mexican NOM-036 Ergonomic Evaluations

Date and Time: Thursday, March 12 from 9:00AM-9:25AM

Speaker: Blake McGowan, CPE, Head of Product Marketing, Ergonomics, and Riccardo Massola, MSc, Founder & Principal Consultant, EPIC – Ergonomics, Productivity & Innovation Consultancy

Description:

This presentation explores the application of artificial intelligence to support decision-making in ergonomic risk management under Mexico’s NOM-036 standard for manual materials handling. Using an AI-powered ergonomics platform, risk assessments can be automated, standardized, and aligned with regulatory requirements. The session will present methodology, case examples, and expected outcomes, including faster evaluations, improved consistency, and proactive risk prevention. Attendees will gain insight into how AI technologies can enhance compliance while reducing musculoskeletal disorder risks and improving workplace efficiency. To reach a broader audience, the session will be delivered in both English and Spanish.

Key Objectives:

• Understand NOM-036 ergonomic assessment requirements in Mexico.
• Explore an AI-driven method for ergonomic risk analysis.
• Apply digital tools to improve compliance and worker safety.